Cats Can Groom and Clean Themselves: Myth or Fact?
Do you have a cat? If yes, you've probably read (or seen it yourself) about cats being independent and relatively low-maintenance. It’s also a well-known fact that cats want attention on their terms or don't require much in the way of exercise. You might have also read that they clean themselves, so unless you have show cats, you won't have to bother about grooming!
You might want to reconsider that, though, as regular cats cannot keep themselves clean 100 percent of the time. While cats do clean themselves, they still require professional cat grooming regularly. Cats are generally clean creatures, but they can't keep their coats and skin healthy merely by licking themselves.
Let's learn why cats need the expertise of a cat groomer in Bentonville.
Why Do Cats Need Grooming Services?
It’s impossible to know what cats are truly thinking and feeling about their bodies. For instance, you won't know for sure when cats have itchy skin, or they've swallowed more hair than usual, as cats can't communicate with words.
But a professional groomer knows how to tend to your cat's grooming needs. Here are more reasons why they need a groomer:
- Eliminate Mats and Tangles
A cat's tongue may have barbs, but these barbs don't act like an efficient comb. Although more common in long-haired cats, even short-haired cats can develop tangles if not properly combed. Mats can be painful and lead to harmful skin conditions. Regular grooming sessions will prevent mats before they even start.
- Prevent Balls of Hair
Cats shed a lot and the licking aids in the removal of loose hair. But what happens to all that hair? Your cat ingests most, if not all, of the hair it licks off its body, and big hairballs can become stuck in your cat's throat or stomach. Regular grooming sessions will decrease your cat's shedding and help avoid sticky, potentially harmful hairballs.
- Soothe Skin Conditions
Regular grooming should be a component of your cat's treatment plan if they have a skin issue caused by allergies, parasites, or other allergens. Grooming will eliminate irritants and minimize buildup from topical medicines, which can cause a greasy mess in your cat's coat.
- Stop Entry for Parasites
Going in for professional grooming services can help prevent ticks and fleas' infestation before they reach critical stages. Resistant fleas can build a home on your cat even if you're using flea and tick prevention measures, and your groomer can tell you if your cat's flea protection isn't working.
- Trim Nails
Every cat owner knows how painful it gets when their cat's long nails dig into their skin. A groomer understands how to hold your cat and trim the sharp ends to keep their claws under control.
How Often Should You Seek Grooming Services?
No worries, as you won't need to schedule a weekly grooming appointment for your cat. Long-haired cats should be groomed every four to six weeks, whereas cats with shorter hair should be groomed every eight to twelve weeks. Note that every cat is different. So, if you see that your cat's coat responds better to more frequent grooming sessions, there's no harm in going in more often.
In between appointments, maintain a thorough home grooming regimen. Combing your cat multiple times a week is a fantastic way to bond with your cat while also reducing shedding in between sessions.
Conclusion
Yes, cats can clean themselves, but they can't keep their coats or nails maintained all on their own. To keep your cat's coat glossy and healthy-looking, they need frequent grooming sessions as well as a solid home regimen.
Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming offers professional services, including pet grooming, self-wash, pet supplies, and more. If you need help from a cat groomer in Bentonville, schedule an appointment with us today!